For Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, Sunday’s practice was a big step — it was the first time he put on pads since his shoulder injury against the Falcons in Week 7 of last year.

After practice, Martin talked about what it’s been like trying to bounce back, trying to live up to the expectations after his rookie season and if he’d be okay with fewer touches because the group of running backs is so deep and with the coaching staff’s preference to utilize more than one ball carrier.

“Fresh is good. Fresh is good. No one wants a rotten apple,” Martin joked.

He also talked about offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford‘s playbook and his history with Tedford, who actually tried to recruit him to play at Cal.